Soulwax 6 Music Christmas Mix

Yes, we are very much post the event -- and I hope it was a good 'un, BTW -- but if you have any capacity left and a smidgen of Christmas cheer that doesn't quite want to budge yet, then check out this mix by Soulwax.

A roaring ride that will help keep the sharp teeth of reality from biting for just another 20 minutes.

Then I guess it is back to a partial return to the 'real world'.

What is this so-called real world I keep hearing so much about anyway?

Leo Kalyan

Heavy-hearted, raw and beautiful nevertheless. Leo Kalyan lays it bare in aching vocals. The track Fucked Up on the Outside In EP showcases not only his ability to produce dark synth-pop, but also his heritage and cultural conflict.

"It's a song about falling short of people’s expectations. I grew up Muslim between London and Lahore, but now, as a gay person living the life of an artist in East London, I’m constantly aware of the toll being myself takes on me and my family and my relationships. Sometimes I feel fucked up for what I put them through. I imagine other people feel the same way sometimes too. The song is about confronting that, and releasing yourself from your baggage."
(The Fader, 2016)

Wow.

With new material floating that I would recommend you explore, here is the aforementioned track and EP from 2016 to whet your appetite.

Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx

The timbre of the beautifully talented Gil Scott-Heron paired with the dark production of Jamie xx -- who, let's face it, I prefer when he is cracking on without The xx -- is stirring.

The thudding of this track and the low grind is bettered only by what Gil Scott-Heron is evoking lyrically.

Running is one of many greats from this magically partnership on We're New Here from 2011.

Note: This video has flashing elements. And I bloody love it. The perfect syncing with the music is excitingly satisfying.

Slaves

Revisiting the great debut LP from Slaves. In terms of fast-paced, catchy, trashy punk tunes these guys get to it.

Let's have the one everyone loves. Why not?

Mr Oizo Chris Lake remix

Yes, yes, I know. I really should change the name of the blog to Mr Oizo et al.

But I don't wanna.

Great remix.

Charli XCX as feminist aspiration..?

She just went and broke my internet!

*Watches on repeat*

Charli XCX has directed a video for her tune Boys that not only flips the industry standard of women-as-eye-candy-music-video-fodder, is packed full of wonderfully talented men, but also beyond that celebrates and venerates the many body-types, backgrounds, ethnicities, sexualities, and varieties of masculinity.

The video has come under some criticism too for lingering on white men, for playing into the "fandom" culture and for including certain artists who have done or said questionable things in the past.

Overall, I think this is a nice counter to the norm. And a catchy pop song to boot!

"And this is my chance.."

Turn me on to phantoms

I follow to the edge of the earth

And fall off

Everybody leaves

If they get the chance

And this is my chance